Biochar Ecotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment
- 1st Edition - February 6, 2025
- Imprint: Elsevier
- Editors: Abhay Kumar, Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad, Pallavi Kumari, Manoj Kumar Solanki
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 2 9 8 5 5 - 4
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 2 9 8 5 6 - 1
Biochar Ecotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment summarizes current accomplishments in biochar ecotechnologies for enhancing agricultural production, encour… Read more
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Request a sales quoteBiochar Ecotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment summarizes current accomplishments in biochar ecotechnologies for enhancing agricultural production, encouraging sustainable waste management, and fostering a circular bioeconomy by advancing the pyrolysis process at both large-scale industrial and small-scale-local levels. Chapters in the book synthesize recent breakthroughs in biochar agro-ecotechnologies for increasing agricultural productivity and promoting circular bioeconomy by advancing the pyrolysis process and add mechanisms involved in biochar-fertilizer mediated in-soil biogeochemical cycle and nutrients retention, availability and their losses, soil-microbial responses, emission of greenhouse gases, and plant responses.
Finally, this book aims to increase research understanding of nanotechnological breakthroughs in the production of biochar-based slow-release fertilizers, including their Nano characteristics involved in increasing fertilizer usage efficiency and managing chemical losses, for sustainable agriculture and the environment.
Finally, this book aims to increase research understanding of nanotechnological breakthroughs in the production of biochar-based slow-release fertilizers, including their Nano characteristics involved in increasing fertilizer usage efficiency and managing chemical losses, for sustainable agriculture and the environment.
- Describes the benefits of biochar in uplifting circular bioeconomy through sustainable waste management practices
- Discusses cutting-edge approaches for investigating biochar, plant, and environment interactions, including the use of biochar to improve soil fertility, biological functioning, and plant responses
- Summarizes nanotechnological breakthroughs in the synthesis and qualities of producing biochar-based slow-release fertilizer via pre and post-pyrolysis changes
- Provides a grasp of the Nano characteristics of biochar that are engaged in boosting fertilizer usage efficiency and managing chemical losses
Academicians, scientists, researchers, engineers, graduate students, and professionals working in the filed of environmental science and engineering, waste management, agriculture, and soil science
- Title of Book
- Cover image
- Title page
- Table of Contents
- Copyright
- List of contributors
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Part 1: Biochar for waste management, circular economy, & carbon neutrality
- Chapter 1. An overview of biochar production and its multifaceted applications for sustainable agriculture and environmental benefits
- Abstract
- 1.1 Introduction
- 1.2 Biochar production technology
- 1.3 Biochar characteristics
- 1.4 Biochar application for sustainable agriculture and environment
- 1.5 Feed additive and aquaculture
- 1.6 Economic and social benefits
- 1.7 Several other uses of biochar
- 1.8 Conclusion and future perspective
- Acknowledgments
- Credit author statement
- Conflicts of interest
- References
- Chapter 2. Biochar production to support circular bioeconomy: from waste biomass to a valuable product
- Abstract
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 State of the art about the biochar role in increasing soil carbon storage
- 2.3 Impact of biochar on regulating soil properties, biogeochemical cycle, and water retention
- 2.4 Biochar production for circular bioeconomy in agricultural farming systems: BIOCHAR LATIUM case study
- 2.5 Conclusion
- Acknowledgment
- Author contribution
- Conflict of interest
- Statement on the use of AI tools for writing
- References
- Chapter 3. A practical approach of biochar production and application toward sustainable agricultural waste management and achieving carbon neutrality
- Abstract
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Decarbonization and carbon sequestration by converting agricultural waste into biochar
- 3.3 Understanding the persistence and stability of biochar in soil
- 3.4 Role of biochar as a soil amendment for enhancing crop yield
- 3.5 Benefits and challenges of using biochar in achieving carbon neutrality
- 3.6 Conclusion
- Author contribution
- AI declaration
- Declaration of competing interest
- References
- Chapter 4. Biochar production and use among smallholder farmers in rural Uganda: challenges and opportunities for circular economy
- Abstract
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Methodology
- 4.3 Results
- 4.4 Discussion
- 4.5 Study limitations
- 4.6 Conclusions
- Acknowledgment
- Author contribution
- Conflict of interest
- Statement on the use of AI tools for writing
- References
- Part 2: Biochar production: techniques & process
- Chapter 5. Transforming contaminated biomass from phytoremediation into biochar
- Abstract
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 What to do with the contaminated biomass?
- 5.3 Production of biochar from pyrolysis of contaminated biomass
- 5.4 Fate of contaminants in biochar from contaminated biomass
- 5.5 Future perspectives
- 5.6 Conclusion
- Acknowledgments
- Author contribution
- Statement for conflict of interest
- Statement on the use of AI tools for writing
- References
- Chapter 6. Biochar production methods and their diverse applications in improving plant production system to achieve agricultural sustainability
- Abstract
- 6.1 Introduction
- 6.2 Production of biochar
- 6.3 Diverse biochar applications in improving plant production
- 6.4 Soil fertility improvement
- 6.5 Remediation of contaminated soils
- 6.6 Carbon sequestration and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions
- 6.7 Soilless agricultural production
- 6.8 Regenerative agriculture: agroecology and nature-based solutions
- 6.9 Case studies and examples
- 6.10 Future research and directions
- Acknowledgments
- CRediT authorship contribution statement
- Declaration of competing interest
- References
- Chapter 7. Factors influencing biochar properties and relationships with soil applications
- Abstract
- 7.1 Introduction
- 7.2 Influential properties of pre-pyrolysis biomass on biochar characteristics
- 7.3 Post-pyrolysis processing of biochar
- 7.4 Pyrolysis processing of biomass into biochar
- 7.5 Measuring biochar properties to quantify amount of biochar constituents
- 7.6 Measuring biochar properties to predict biochar performance
- 7.7 How biochar addresses deficiencies in soils
- 7.8 Conclusion and future perspectives
- Acknowledgment
- Author contribution
- Conflict of interest
- Statement on the use of AI tools for writing
- References
- Part 3: Biochar for enhancing soil fertility, functioning, & plant responses
- Chapter 8. Recent trends in multifarious benefits of biochar application to soil
- Abstract
- 8.1 Introduction
- 8.2 The properties of biochar vary with different pyrolysis temperatures, influencing its impact on soil chemical and physic-hydraulic properties
- 8.3 Biochar pyrolysis temperature and its effects on soil chemical properties
- 8.4 Biochar pyrolysis temperature and its effects on soil physical and hydraulic properties
- 8.5 The impact of biochar on soil microbial properties is influenced by changes in pyrolysis temperature
- 8.6 Case study: physicochemical characteristics of biochar derived from Saccharum officinarum with different particle sizes
- 8.7 Conclusions
- Acknowledgments
- Credit author statement
- Conflict of interest
- AI disclosure
- References
- Chapter 9. Biochar for climate change mitigation and soil health management
- Abstract
- 9.1 Introduction
- 9.2 Biochar for climate change mitigation
- 9.3 Biochar cobenefits: effects on soil health
- 9.4 Biochar challenges and opportunities
- 9.5 Conclusions and takeaways
- Acknowledgments
- Author contributions
- Conflict of interest
- AI disclosure
- References
- Chapter 10. Biochar as an emerging green and sustainable solution for amendment of degraded soil
- Abstract
- 10.1 Introduction
- 10.2 Major factors contributing toward soil degradation
- 10.3 Potential mitigation strategies of degraded soil through biochar amendment
- 10.4 Recent trends of composite biochar production toward restoration of degraded soil
- 10.5 Challenges and future prospectives of biochar amendment for degraded soil
- 10.6 Conclusions
- Acknowledgments
- Author contributions
- Conflict of interest
- Statement on the use of AI tools for writing
- References
- Chapter 11. Stability and reactivity of biochar in regulating nutrient dynamics and its supplies in agricultural ecosystems
- Abstract
- 11.1 Introduction
- 11.2 Biochar production
- 11.3 Biochar physicochemical properties
- 11.4 Biochar’s impact on nutrient retention and availability
- 11.5 Explanation of the mechanisms involved in nutrient sorption and release by biochar
- 11.6 Comparison of different feedstock sources and their influence on nutrient retention capabilities
- 11.7 Influence of biochar on soil microbial communities
- 11.8 Effects of biochar application on crop growth and yield
- 11.9 Challenges and limitations of biochar application
- 11.10 Best practices and recommendations for biochar application
- 11.11 Conclusion
- Acknowledgments
- Authors’ contributions
- Conflict of interest
- AI disclosure
- References
- Chapter 12. Prospects of biochar for boosting crop productivity and soil sustainability
- Abstract
- 12.1 Introduction
- 12.2 Different methods of biochar production
- 12.3 Explanation of biochar’s electrochemical characteristics
- 12.4 Role of biochar in improving nutrient retention and availability in soil
- 12.5 Explanation of the pH-neutralizing capacity of biochar
- 12.6 Discussion on the potential of biochar to sequester carbon in soil
- 12.7 Exploration of how biochar affects soil microbial communities
- 12.8 Overview of field trials and experiments showcasing the effects of biochar on crop productivity and soil sustainability
- 12.9 Discussion of challenges in scaling up biochar production and application
- 12.10 Conclusion
- Author contribution
- Conflict of interest
- AI disclosure
- References
- Chapter 13. Biochar’s potential for enhancing soil functions, nutrient balance, and crop productivity in Mediterranean and tropical regions
- Abstract
- 13.1 Introduction
- 13.2 Climate and situation of the Mediterranean and tropical regions
- 13.3 Biochar: properties and composition
- 13.4 Effect of biochar on the Mediterranean soil
- 13.5 Beneficial effect of biochar on soil nutrient balance
- 13.6 Beneficial effect of biochar on plant growth and development
- 13.7 Effect of biochar on the tropical regions
- 13.8 Legislation and policy
- 13.9 Conclusion
- Acknowledgment
- Authors’ contribution
- References
- Part 4: Biochar in managing biogeochemical cycles & greenhouse gases
- Chapter 14. Biochar application for sustainable soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas mitigation
- Abstract
- 14.1 Introduction
- 14.2 Background on carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions
- 14.3 Brief overview of biochar and its potential role in greenhouse gas mitigation
- 14.4 Biochar production methods
- 14.5 Biochar’s role in carbon sequestration and carbon stabilization in soil
- 14.6 Biochar’s role in greenhouse gas mitigation
- 14.7 Impact of biochar on soil microbe, gas dynamics, and soil fertility enhancement
- 14.8 Biochar and soil health and the effect on crop production system
- 14.9 Challenges and considerations
- 14.10 Case studies and research lessons
- 14.11 Future outlook
- Authors’ contribution
- Conflict of interest
- References
- Chapter 15. Mechanistic insights into biochar’s influence on nitrogen cycle homeostasis, microbial dynamics, and crop productivity in fertilized agroecosystems
- Abstract
- 15.1 Introduction
- 15.2 The role of biochar in stimulating biological nitrogen fixation
- 15.3 Microorganism dynamics in biochar amendment soil
- 15.4 Impact of biochar on crop productivity
- 15.5 Conclusion
- Acknowledgment
- Authors contribution
- Conflict of interest
- References
- Chapter 16. Investigation into pyrolysis impact on biochar traits, soil microbial community interaction, and nutrient dynamics: emission and leaching implications
- Abstract
- 16.1 Introduction
- 16.2 Effects of biomass feedstock and pyrolysis parameter on biochar traits
- 16.3 Biochar traits on soil microbiology community interaction and nutrient dynamics
- 16.4 Case study of biochar application in Malaysia
- 16.5 Future perspective and conclusion
- Acknowledgments
- CRediT author statement
- Declaration of competing interest
- References
- Chapter 17. Biochar augmentation on soil biotic processes and microbial structure and functions in fertilized tropical cropland
- Abstract
- 17.1 Introduction
- 17.2 Biochar’s impact on microbial abundance: unveiling the microbial symphony
- 17.3 Microbial diversity enhancement: painting a richer canvas
- 17.4 Biochar–microbial interaction pathways: unveiling nature’s blueprint
- 17.5 Structural adaptations of microbes: unveiling dynamic microbial ecosystems
- 17.6 Biochar’s role in nutrient cycling: unraveling the virtuous exchange
- 17.7 Metabolic pathway modulation: unveiling biochar’s influence
- 17.8 Biochar–mediated carbon sequestration: uncovering nature’s locks
- 17.9 Elicitation of beneficial microbial consortia: unveiling symbiosis
- 17.10 Plant–microbe interplay in biochar-amended soils: a harmonious choreography
- 17.11 Biochar’s impact on soil pH: unveiling nature’s pH harmonizers
- 17.12 Resilience against pathogens: unveiling biochar’s immune boosting power
- 17.13 Longevity of biochar effects: deciphering nature’s timeless imprint
- 17.14 Microbial enzyme activities: unraveling biochar’s enzymatic symphony
- 17.15 Biochar and mycorrhizal associations: nurturing nature’s subterranean alliances
- 17.16 Soil structure enhancement: unveiling biochar’s architectural resilience
- 17.17 Nitrogen fixation and biochar: bridging nature’s nitrogen-fixing prowess
- 17.18 Biochar and water-holding capacity: emulating nature’s hydrological symphony
- 17.19 Beyond fertilization: biochar’s holistic impact
- 17.20 Future prospects and implications: shaping tropical cropland ecosystems with biochar
- 17.21 Conclusion
- Acknowledgment
- Author contributions
- Ethical statement
- Conflict of interest
- Funding declaration
- Data availability statement
- Declaration on the use of AI tools
- References
- Part 5: Nanotechnological approach for developing biochar-fertilizer
- Chapter 18. Biochar modification methods: property engineering for diverse value-added applications
- Abstract
- 18.1 Introduction
- 18.2 Biochar production
- 18.3 Progress of biochar applications
- 18.4 Biochar modification: recent trends
- 18.5 Conclusions and prospects
- Acknowledgment
- Author contribution
- Conflict of interest
- References
- Chapter 19. Biochar-based smart fertilizers for sustainable agriculture and environment health
- Abstract
- 19.1 Introduction
- 19.2 Development of smart fertilizers
- 19.3 Biochar as smart fertilizer
- 19.4 Benefits of slow- or controlled-release fertilizers
- 19.5 Biochar production methods
- 19.6 Applications of biochar
- 19.7 Biochar-based smart fertilizers
- 19.8 Synthesis of biochar-based fertilizers
- 19.9 Disadvantages of biochar-based fertilizers
- 19.10 Conclusion
- 19.11 Recommendations and future perspectives of biochar-based smart fertilizers
- Acknowledgments
- Author contributions
- Conflicts of interest
- Statement on the use of AI tools for writing
- References
- Chapter 20. Biochar-based slow-release fertilizers for sustainable agriculture: a mechanistic overview on process development
- Abstract
- 20.1 Introduction
- 20.2 Biochar production
- 20.3 Nutrient loading and release mechanism
- 20.4 Soil and plant health improvement
- 20.5 Conclusion
- Acknowledgments
- Author contribution
- Conflict of interest
- Use of AI tools
- References
- Chapter 21. Mineral-enriched biochar nutritional nanocomposites for enhanced soil properties, biogeochemical cycle, and sustainable crop production: a mechanistic overview
- Abstract
- 21.1 Introduction
- 21.2 Synthesis of nano biochar
- 21.3 Utilization of nano biochar and biochar nanocomposites in the field of agriculture
- 21.4 Methods for creating biochar-based solid recovered fuels
- 21.5 Biochar-based fertilizers
- 21.6 Biochar stimulates soil microbial response to heavy metal contaminations
- 21.7 Nanomaterial-based modified biochar and their application
- 21.8 Future perspective and conclusions
- Acknowledgments
- Credit author statement
- Conflict of interest
- AI and AI-assisted technologies
- References
- Chapter 22. Nanotechnological aspects in producing biochar-mineral fertilizer for sustainable and intensive agricultural practices: pre- and postpyrolysis biochar modification
- Abstract
- 22.1 Introduction
- 22.2 Methodology
- 22.3 Biochar production
- 22.4 Factors affecting biochar properties and potential
- 22.5 Biochar-mineral fertilizer concepts
- 22.6 Multifaceted impact of biochar-based mineral fertilizer
- 22.7 Conclusion and future perspective
- Acknowledgments
- CRediT author statement
- Conflicts of interest
- References
- Index
- Edition: 1
- Published: February 6, 2025
- Imprint: Elsevier
- No. of pages: 742
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN: 9780443298554
- eBook ISBN: 9780443298561
AK
Abhay Kumar
Abhay Kumar is a Researcher at the University of Tuscia's Department of Innovation in
Biological, Agri-food, and Forestry Systems (DIBAF) in Viterbo, Italy. He earned his doctorate in Plant Sciences from the University of Hyderabad in India and spent more than five years as a visiting scientist at the Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center in Israel. In addition, he was involved with two other science-led organizations in Norway, Standard Bio AS and Capturebank AS. He conducts multifaceted and cross-disciplinary environmental and agricultural research on the interactions of Biochar-Soil-Plant-Environment, as well as remediation and recovery of trace heavy metals from contaminated areas. His research efforts are focused on generating carbon-negative, resource-circular biochar and biochar-containing products from diverse agricultural and environmental aspects. These include soil fertility, soil organic matter, carbon sequestration, crop production, key physiological, biochemical, and metabolic processes, abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms in plants, and pollutant cleanup from contaminated locations. His aptitude towards research have resulted in several articles in major journals and books. This honor is bolstered by his work with some journals as a review/guest editor as well as his extensive peer-reviewed record in high-impact journals.
Affiliations and expertise
Department for Innovation in Biological, Agri-food and Forestry Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia Viterbo, ItalyMV
Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad
Dr. Prasad is Emeritus Professor, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad (India). He has made outstanding contributions to the fields of bioremediation, bioresources, biomass energy sources, bioeconomy, and to the broad field of environmental biotechnology, all of which are his main areas of expertise. Dr. Prasad has served the Government of India’s Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change as a member of various advisory committees on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, pollution control and abatement, environmental information systems and bioremediation of contaminated sites. He is an active visiting scientist for several international universities.
Affiliations and expertise
Emeritus Professor and Former Dean, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, IndiaPK
Pallavi Kumari
Pallavi Kumari is currently employed as a Researcher at the Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials of the Polish Academy of Sciences. She earned her doctorate from the Central University of Jharkhand in India in 2017, and she began her scientific career in the field of Material Science and Nanotechnology. She moved to the Indian Institute of Technology, Varanasi in India, to pursue her postdoctoral research on the synthesis and nanotechnological characterization of bio-based materials for industrial and agricultural application, and then to the Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center in Israel. Pallavi has also worked as a researcher for the Norwegian firm Capturebank AS, exploring nanotechnological application of developing biochar and biochar-based products for agricultural, agro-industry, and environmental applications. Dr. Kumari's research has given her independent thinking, multidisciplinary research skills, and a good profile in material chemistry, nanotechnology, and polymer science, specifically the synthesis of bio-based nanocomposites materials, and the current book proposal effectively integrates these cross-disciplinary aspects.
Affiliations and expertise
Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials of the Polish Academy of Sciences, PolandMS
Manoj Kumar Solanki
Manoj Kumar Solanki is currently employed as a scientist in the Institute of Biology, Biotechnology, and Environment Protection of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. In 2006, he received his master’s degree in microbiology from Barkatullah University, and in 2013, he received his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Rani Durgawati University in India. He also served as a research associate in a DBTfunded project at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India. He received a visiting scientist fellowship from the Guangxi Academy of Agriculture Sciences in China from 2013 to 2015, as well as a visiting scientist fellowship from the Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization in Israel from 2016 to 2020. He has been involved in numerous research activities on plants-microbes interaction, soil microbiology, plant disease management, enzymology, and microbial genome analysis during his research career, and has published a number of publications in prestigious peer-reviewed international journals and books. He is also expanding his knowledge of agriculturally significant microorganisms, with a focus on soil and crop health management, among other things as well as worked as associate/guest editor for various journals and has sound expertise in editing books and reviewing articles.
Affiliations and expertise
University of Silesia, PolandRead Biochar Ecotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment on ScienceDirect